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An American Crime (2007) 7.3
The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s. Director:Tommy O'Haver |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ellen Page | ... | ||
| Hayley McFarland | ... |
Jennie Likens
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| Nick Searcy | ... |
Lester Likens
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| Romy Rosemont | ... |
Betty Likens
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| Catherine Keener | ... | ||
| Ari Graynor | ... |
Paula Baniszewski
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| Scout Taylor-Compton | ... |
Stephanie Baniszewski
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| Tristan Jarred | ... |
Johnny Baniszewski
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| Hannah Leigh | ... |
Shirley Baniszewski
(as Hannah Leigh Dworkin)
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| Bradley Whitford | ... |
Prosecutor
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| Michael O'Keefe | ... |
Reverend Bill Collier
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| Carlie Westerman | ... |
Marie Baniszewski
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| Michelle Benes | ... |
Hope Orbach
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Patricia Place | ... |
Mrs. Doyle
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Calvin Keet | ... |
Mr. Doyle
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Based on a true story that shocked the nation in 1965, the film recounts one of the most shocking crimes ever committed against a single victim. Sylvia and Jennie Fae Likens, the two daughters of traveling carnival workers are left for an extended stay at the Indianapolis home of single mother Gertrude Baniszewski and her six children. Times are tough, and Gertrude's financial needs cause her to make this arrangement before realizing how the burden will push her unstable nature to a breaking point. What transpires in the next three months is both riveting and horrific, leaving one child dead and the rest scarred for life. Written by alfiehitchie
Taglines:
The true story of a shocking crime and a secret that wouldn't keep. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong and disturbing depiction of child abuse and torture | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 December 2007 (Sweden) See more »Also Known As:
The Basement See more »Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USABox Office
Budget:
$2,000,000 (estimated)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Written by Mahalia Jackson
Performed by Mahalia Jackson
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony BMG Music Entertainment
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The real life daughter, Paula Baniszewski, was released from prison and changed her name. She ended up getting a job as a guidance counselor aide in an Iowa school and worked there for 14 years before anyone found out about her real past. She was immediately fired. See more »Goofs
In the scene where Gertrude and Ricky are smoking together, Gertrude says, "You ain't old enough for smoke". In 1965, it was legal for minors to smoke as there was no legal smoking age. See more »Quotes
Sylvia Likens: She sacrificed me to protect her children, and she sacrificed her children to protect herself.See more »
Crazy Credits
The final credit states "Sylvia Likens, 1949-1965". See more »Soundtracks
"Tell the World About This"Written by Mahalia Jackson
Performed by Mahalia Jackson
Courtesy of Columbia Records
By Arrangement with Sony BMG Music Entertainment
See more »
I collect movies...ALL kinds of movies and have several thousand in my collection...which means I see thousands of movies every year. I'd never heard of "An American Crime" until Netflix put it into my queue as a recommendation. I knew absolutely nothing about the film except for the cast. I'd watch Catherine Keener do a Dairy Queen commercial and give her a standing ovation. Forty minutes into the film, I became aware that I was clutching the arms on my chair. I was short-winded as I'd been holding my breath but didn't know it. I almost cheated and ran the movie fast forward just to see how it would end as I was terrified by what I was viewing. This movie should have been hailed by critics and had long lines outside the box office. Ellen Page and Catherine Keener were superb as was the entire cast...not even a 'walk-on' was miscast. James Franco, stepped out of the box to play an unlikeable character as did Jeremy (Peter Pan) Sumpter. If you love good movies, heavy drama, and fantastic acting...this is one to put on your MUST SEE list. When the movie finally did end. I just cut off my TV set. I couldn't watch anything of equal magnitude, no matter what was showing on any channel. One of the best films of all time...and the most horrifying in my entire collection...bar none!